@BiaSciLab delivers the keynote adderss at the innagural CyberLaunch competitionin Orlando, FL.
Executive summary
What did we do during Fiscal Year 2023-2024? Cyber Florida experienced an incredibly powerful year of successful events and initiatives. It marked the return of an annual conference, rebranded Sunshine Cyber Con, and the addition of the first statewide CyberLaunch competition for high school students. The Security Operations Center Apprentice Program brought in engagement with internal and external organizations. The CyberWorks Rapid Training Program aided veteran and first responder transitions. The ARCS Range debuted for state-of-the-art public-sector network defense training. Internationally, Cyber Florida hosted the Red Dragon Rising symposium. The year culminated in several grant project successes, alongside diverse outreach efforts. Full details inside.
Sunshine Cyber Conference returned with nearly 1,000 registrants
The ARCS* Range surpassed 100 users just weeks after it was introduced
The CyberLaunch competition attracted more than 1,000 participants
Operation K12 reached tens of thousands of Florida students
Ferraresso Director Cyber Florida
Ernie
Dear Cyber Florida Community,
I am proud to present the 2023-2024 Annual Impact Report, highlighting a year of growth and achievement for Cyber Florida. This year has been pivotal in our mission to position Florida as a leader in cybersecurity education, research, and workforce development.
Our commitment to student success is evident through initiatives like the CyberLaunch competition and the Security Operations Center Apprentice Program, which prepare students for the global market. Our Operation K12 program has reached tens of thousands of students, fostering cybersecurity awareness throughout Florida’s public school system.
Cyber Florida has enhanced faculty excellence with innovative research. We established a process to support high-impact research, resulting in awards such as the NSF CAREER and RTG grants. Our workshops have led to groundbreaking proposals, addressing critical cybersecurity challenges. Our partnerships and community engagement efforts are stronger than ever. The Sunshine Cyber Conference and Red Dragon Rising symposium highlight our role as a hub for knowledge exchange. Statewide initiatives like FirstLine and the Critical Infrastructure Protection program have provided training to over 600 entities, safeguarding Florida’s infrastructure.
We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive community. Outreach initiatives like CyberWorks and our podcasts demonstrate this commitment, along with scholarships and mentorships for veterans, first responders, and underrepresented groups.
Cyber Florida’s success is grounded in sound stewardship and proactive adaptation. This year, we secured significant funding, including a $200,000 NIST RAMPS grant. These achievements enable us to expand our programs and offer no-cost resources to public-sector organizations.
As we look ahead to Fiscal Year 2024-2025, we are excited to continue our journey of innovation and excellence. Thank you for your unwavering support and dedication to our mission.
Sincerely,
Ernest Ferraresso Director
About Us
The Florida Center for Cybersecurity at the University of South Florida, also known as Cyber Florida, enjoyed significant growth and accomplishments during Fiscal Year 2023-2024 while focusing on its core pillars of research, education, and outreach. The following report highlights the center’s major initiatives and outcomes for FY2023-2024, including detailed information on the following projects and programs:
• Sunshine Cyber Conference returned with an outstanding speaker line up, sponsor support, and exhibitor participation for nearly 1,000 registrants.
• The state’s first CyberLaunch high school competition attracted sponsor support and more than 1,000 participants.
• The nation’s first statewide critical infrastructure cybersecurity risk assessment program for both public- and private-sector organizations reached more than 500 users.
Operation K12 reached tens of thousands of students through innovative new programming and events for students and teachers.
• The Security Operations Center Apprentice Program enhanced degree programs with real world, hands-on cybersecurity experience through engagement with internal and external organizations.
• The CyberWorks rapid career training program helped veterans, first responders, and others retrain for new careers in cybersecurity.
Cyber Florida’s FirstLine statewide training programs expanded to reach more government employees on critical and timely cybersecurity topics, including election security.
• The Aligned Realistic Cyberattack Simulation (ARCS) Range surpassed 100 users just weeks after it was introduced.
• A one-day symposium, Red Dragon Rising, brought military and academic scholars together for a candid discussion of China’s rise to power in cyberspace with leading global experts.
Various outreach initiatives, from podcasts to events, supported these and other projects as well as the overall Cyber Florida mission.
guests of
Two excited
the 2024 Sunshine Cyber Con capture a memorable selfie to commemorate their attendance.
RESEARCH RESEARCH RESEARCH RESEARCH RESEARCH RESEARCH
RESEARCH RESEARCH RESEARCH
CYBER FLORIDA SUPPORTING INNOVATIVE RESEARCH
Dr. Sriram Chellappan
“At Cyber Florida, we are committed to supporting high-impact academic research. We have identified multiple mechanisms to facilitate the submission of high-impact research proposals by Florida PIs. Whenever requested, we have provided support letters for PIs and have assured collaboration to enhance R&D impact across the state of Florida.”
Academic Director for Research, Cyber Florida
Research
In 2023-2024, Cyber Florida established a formal process for USF faculty to solicit support for high-impact research proposals, meaning proposals from principal investigators (PIs) that are either (a) collaborative and large-scale (> $2M) or (b) CAREER and YIP proposals from junior faculty. Cyber Florida funding supported:
Grant writers to work on proposal preparation
• Peer review by established experts
• Travel support for face-to-face meetings toward team build-up and project planning
• Travel support to visit federal funding agencies and meet with program managers
Hiring mentors to work with junior faculty for CAREER and YIP proposal development
These services were leveraged to support the following proposals on behalf of USF:
Tampa Bay Regional Tech Hub Consortium: USF-led proposal submitted to US Economic Development Administration – Regional Technology and Innovation Hubs (Tech Hubs) Program. Cyber Florida provided grant development support – proposal not funded.
PI (Giacomo Micheli, USF Math/CAS): CAREER: Rank Metric Codes from Drinfeld Modules and New Primitives in Code Based Cryptography – NSF CAREER Proposal. Cyber Florida provided mentor support to the PI who requested it. Proposal awarded ($500,000).
PI (Jean-Francois Biasse, USF Math/CAS): RTG: Applied Algebra at the University of South Florida – NSF Proposal on Research Training Groups. Cyber Florida provided grant writer support, and identified a high-quality grant evaluator, both of which were specifically requested by the PI. Proposal Awarded ($2,497,545).
In collaboration with the USF R&I office, Cyber Florida launched and organized two think tank workshops broadly themed around cybersecurity. Close to 50 faculty participated in these workshops, resulting in four themes and several working groups. The themes are Cybersecurity for an Aging Florida/America; Cybersecurity for Cyber-Physical and IoT systems; Human-behavior and Cybersecurity; and Cybersecurity in K-12. In fact, one interdisciplinary team that emerged from the think tank is already developing a National Science Foundation proposal on the topic of Computer Science for All (NSF 24-555, deadline 4 June) PI – Dr. Ruthmae Sears (EDU).
The team is closely collaborating with other teams to advance the formation of a core team and proposal ideas. The Aging group is particularly mature and active.
Cyber Florida was awarded a two-year $200,000 NIST project titled “Sustainable, Hands-on and Multi-disciplinary Cybersecurity Skills Training to Meet Workforce Needs of Critical Infrastructure Sectors in Florida.” This project entails understanding the needs of the cyber workforce across critical infrastructures in Florida and designing educational and training materials to identify a core group of students to close those gaps.
Finally, Cyber Florida is developing strategies to make the outcomes of their projects—such as survey results, identified knowledge gaps, and training materials—available to USF PIs. This will enable them to leverage these resources in crafting larger-scale federal proposals. Additionally, Cyber Florida is actively preparing to submit more proposals in the near future.
Critical infrastructure is often a target for state-sponsored cyberattacks aimed at destabilizing our fundamental systems. Protecting critical infrastructure is essential for maintaining national security, public safety, and economic stability.
2023 CSET USER
a small business with limited budget, the CSET Tool has become the
“As
foundation of our governance, risk, and compliance program and we intend to continue using it as long as it is available.”
Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP) Program Grows
Cyber Florida’s Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP) program emerged as a powerful response to Florida’s urgent need to fortify its essential infrastructure. Born from thorough research following a statewide report in June 2023, the program swiftly embarked on a comprehensive risk assessment endeavor. Engaging with 675 critical infrastructure entities, including 15 out of 16 sectors, it gained a nuanced understanding of vulnerabilities and risks. This assessment, updated to meet the latest NIST 2.0 standards, laid the foundation to make Florida better prepared against cyber attacks.
To enhance comprehension of security trends, a bespoke visualization tool was developed, facilitating informed decision-making by tracking sector-specific security gaps and maturity levels. Simultaneously, thorough data analysis of evolving threats empowered proactive mitigation strategies. These activities resulted in the production of two comprehensive reports for the Governor and State Legislature, ensuring transparency and providing vital resources for informed policymaking.
Through extensive collaborative engagement, Cyber Florida fostered dialogue and knowledge exchange statewide. Partnering with key stakeholders like the Florida Department of Emergency Management and the Florida Association of Counties, it facilitated critical infrastructure data sharing and training, as well as provided free resources. Establishing a network of regional ambassadors extended education efforts, amplifying outreach to more than 120 organizations.
Grants
Cyber Florida was awarded a $200,000 grant under the National Institute of Standards and Technology’s (NIST) Regional Alliances and Multistakeholder Partnerships to Stimulate (RAMPS) Cybersecurity Education and Workforce Development (RAMPS Program). The RAMPS Program seeks to build multistakeholder workforce partnerships of employers, schools and institutions of higher education, and other community organizations to align the workforce needs of local business and nonprofit organizations with the learning objectives of education and training providers conforming to the NICE Framework, increase the pipeline of students pursuing cybersecurity careers, upskill more Americans to move them into middle-class jobs in the cybersecurity field, and support local economic development to stimulate job growth.
STATEWIDE TRAINING (FIRSTLINE) INCREASES OFFERINGS
Dr. Candi Ring
Cyber Florida’s Operation K12 program has introduced students to various career pathways through strategic partnerships and ensured statewide access to cybersecurity education via a competitive platform. By employing innovative strategies and forming collaborative alliances, we have enhanced the cybersecurity education landscape, fostered resilient digital citizens, and paved the way for a safer cyber future.
Cybersecurity Curriculum Developer and Operation K12 Lead
Statewide Training (FirstLine) Increases Offerings
The FirstLine training initiative stems from Florida Legislation HB5001, Section 2944B, which directs Cyber Florida “to conduct cybersecurity training for state and local government executive, managerial, technical, and general staff.” Every employee has a role to play in preventing cybercrime, and this effort aims to make Florida’s public sector workforce the most cyber-ready in the nation! There were many highlights this past year.
The National White Collar Crime Center (NW3C) classes had an outstanding inaugural session, achieving 100% participation for their three in-person course conducted in Fort Myers, Pensacola, and Tampa. The cyber investigation courses for the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) have garnered attention for their comprehensive content and exceptional instructional quality. Feedback from participants was positive.
USF’s Cybersecurity Awareness Certificate has become a staple for state and local government employees and meets the curriculum requirements from the Florida Digital Service’s Local Government Cybersecurity Resource Packet.
The Cyber Leadership Strategy courses at Florida International University (FIU) provided in-person training to more than 360 public sector leaders and managers. They expanded their reach by onboarding Florida Gulf Coast University and Palm Beach State College as partners.
The University of West Florida (UWF) consistently achieves maximum registration capacity for its courses. Their certification courses in CompTIA Security+, Network+, and CISSP continue to fill quickly, often resulting in waiting lists. UWF is now offering more than 20 courses to address the massive scope of cybersecurity topics for the public workforce. UWF shows a consistent trend of repeat participants in multiple courses.
In partnership with Norwich University Applied Research Institute (NUARI) and Pasco Sheriff’s Office, Cyber Florida hosted a successful election interference tabletop exercise for 70 participants from 14 Florida counties. The one-day workshop integrated exercise with ARCS Range (powered by SimSpace) and included speakers from the FBI, FDLE, and CISA.
This program’s team attended numerous beneficial meetings, conferences, and legislative events to amplify the mission of Cyber Florida’s statewide training initiatives.
Joshua Wethington
“The Statewide Training program is, we believe, a first-of-its-kind effort in the nation, and we’re pleased to report a stellar first year of impressive growth and statewide engagement. We’ve taken the first steps toward creating a statewide culture of cyber awareness across government entities in Florida.”
Assistant Program Director, Cyber
Florida
Aligned Realistic Cyberattack Simulation (ARCS) Range: A Milestone Achievement for Cybersecurity Training
Cyber Florida achieved a significant milestone with the development and execution of a three-year, $6.4 million contract with SimSpace to deliver the Aligned Realistic Cyberattack Simulation (ARCS) Range. The ARCS Range provides an advanced virtual environment designed for rigorous cybersecurity training exercises.
This state-of-the-art virtual training program has already served more than 100 users across 13 counties in Florida with comprehensive training for both individuals and teams. Access to the ARCS Range is provided free of charge to public-sector IT and cybersecurity personnel statewide.
Dr. Bruce Caulkins
“Within the first few months of operation, the ARCS Range achieved unprecedented success. 140 public-sector workers from 17 counties across Florida have begun individual training.
Cyber Range Director, Cyber Florida
CyberWorks Prepares 32 for New Cyber Careers
CyberWorks helps address our nation’s critical cyber workforce shortage by preparing career-changers for new roles as cyber defense analysts. This intensive 22-week program prepares learners to enter the cybersecurity workforce as Tier 1 Security Operations Center (SOC) Analysts through expert online instruction and hands-on learning. Funding provided by the National Security Agency National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity (NCAE-C) Workforce Development Program allows Cyber Florida to provide scholarships to learners to participate at no cost, making CyberWorks a life-changing opportunity for many participants.
In 2023-2024, Cyber Florida provided training and mentorship to one cohort of adult learners from October 2023 to March 2024:
• 32 adult learners completed the Networking Fundamentals and Cyber Defense Fundamentals courses and received vouchers for their CompTIA Network+ and CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst (CySA+) certifications.
• Learners received one-on-one mentoring on career readiness topics, such as job interview preparation and resume review.
• Learners attended 13 professional development sessions featuring cybersecurity professionals and CyberWorks program alumni from a variety of roles and agencies including ReliaQuest, JPMorgan Chase, GuidePoint Security, Rapid 7, Home Depot, Broadcom, FBI and Tampa Police Department.
• CyberWorks learners attended the Cyber Florida’s Sunshine Cyber Conference in March 2024 to facilitate networking as they pursue cybersecurity roles.
IMPACT PROFILES
Amber Waters William Mechler
Junior Analyst Home Depot
In 2022, Amber Waters was a full-time student at USF and a full-time employee in the health care field. The 31-year-old veteran was enrolled in a Health Information Technology degree program with an eye toward entering the cybersecurity field. She knew she needed hands-on experience to secure a good job but wasn’t sure how to do that when, “Boom! I saw New Skills for a New Fight promoted on LinkedIn,” Amber said.
The 22-week program, now known as CyberWorks, was designed specifically for veterans looking to reskill. With grant funding available to cover the cost for all participants, Amber saw an opportunity she couldn’t pass up.
“I am a lifelong learner and had maxed out my capabilities at work. I was bored!” Amber recalled. From her research, she knew cybersecurity, with its constant need for problem-solving and innovation, was her future career goal.
“I am a lifelong learner and had maxed out my capabilities at work. I was bored!”
In addition to the hands-on experience available through the virtual machines and lab work, the program taught foundational skills and soft skills such as networking and resume building. Amber met and learned from various cybersecurity professionals, hearing about their experiences. She realized there were many career paths in cybersecurity.
Amber now enjoys the flexibility of working from home in a dynamic and rewarding career. She appreciates the security of knowing she will be able to advance in her field as she continues to learn and grow.
Master Police Officer Tampa area
William Mechler has worked in law enforcement his entire adult life. During that time, he has observed a significant trend: almost all crimes now have a digital connection.
“Whether the device is the medium for the crime or there’s a piece of evidence that links the criminal to the crime scene via router interrogations and IP address geolocating, almost every crime has a link to something cyber,” he explained.
A few years ago, William turned to the internet to find educational opportunities to enhance his cyber skills, not only to help catch criminals but also to seamlessly transition into his next career upon retirement from law enforcement. He has completed several cyber courses through various organizations and has been given opportunities to teach classes, which he loves.
“I have a passion for empowering others with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate the complex landscape of cyber,” he said.
“I have a passion for empowering others with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate the complex landscape of cyber.”
“Everyone in the program invests so much time and effort into helping you succeed,” William said about his CyberWorks experience. “You will not fail unless you don’t ask for help or give up on yourself.”
William is now well-known for his cybersecurity knowledge and teaching abilities, which has led to consulting opportunities and invitations to speak at several conferences. He has received several job offers for when he retires in a few years.
CyberLaunch
COLLABORATIVE EFFORT NETS SUCCESSFUL HIGH SCHOOL COMPETITION
Cyber Florida and the Florida Center for Instructional Technology proudly hosted the inaugural CyberLaunch Competition in Orlando, Florida. The event marked a resounding success, with more than 900 students from 97 schools and 44 districts uniting to test their cybersecurity skills, overcome new challenges, and network with potential employers in the cyber industry.
As Florida’s first statewide high school cybersecurity competition, CyberLaunch aimed to introduce high school students to the universe of cybersecurity careers through the fun of a statewide competition. The event provided a safe, cost-effective, and low-pressure environment for students to showcase their abilities, collaborate as teams, and gain valuable experience in the thrilling world of cybersecurity competitions.
The event benefitted from significant private- and public-sector support, with nearly 50 organizations providing financial support and/or exhibiting at the event to talk with students about cyber career paths. Among the organizations represented were Google, Intel, Dell, Lenovo, ThreatLocker, the U.S. Navy’s Naval Air Warfare Center, and the U.S. Marine Corps.
Security Operations Center Apprentice Program (SOCAP) Provides Exceptional Training Experience for USF Students
Cyber Florida’s Security Operations Center Apprentice Program (SOCAP) provides hands-on internships for University of South Florida students. Consisting of ten permanent and four grant-funded student cybersecurity analysts, the program team diligently managed 1,555 cyber-related tickets and supported over 1,700 individuals through the CyberHub platform across 11 K-12 school districts and five higher-education institutions. Additionally, they crafted five comprehensive threat advisories, with plans for further releases.
Seven student cybersecurity analysts obtained an impressive 12 certifications this year. This includes CompTIA Security+, Practical Junior Penetration Tester, ReliaQuest Cybersecurity Labs, Hack the Box Certified Defensive Security Analyst, Hack The Box Certified Pro Lab Genesis, and Security Blue Team Level 1 SOC Analyst. Additionally, four of the students secured summer internships at organizations such as Bank of America, Google, Tampa Electric Company (TECO), and Inter & Co.
SOCAP forged a new partnership for cybersecurity services via a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the State of Florida Twelfth Judicial Circuit, enhancing collaborative efforts in safeguarding digital assets.
“SOCAP interns graduate with invaluable skills, real-world experience, and enhanced resumes, ready to excel in their future careers.” Ryan Irving
Austin Walley, the George Jenkins High School Academy of Cybersecurity instructor, addresses his team at the 2024 CyberLaunch event.
Special Agent Shark Wolf preps for a day full of cybersecurity activities at the C.A.G.E. Elementary Cyber Camp on the USF campus.
Operation K12 Making a Difference Across Florida
Cyber Florida’s effort to infuse cybersecurity awareness and career education throughout Florida’s public school system, known as Operation K12, continued to expand throughout the state, providing inspiration and access for Florida’s future cyber professionals. Operation K12 provides free teacher training, lesson plans, activities, and even a yearlong high school career preparation course, to encourage K-12 students to learn about good cybersecurity practices and consider cybersecurity as a potential career path.
The program includes added resources such as a monthly newsletter to support teachers and monthly webinars for students and teachers. Operation K12 supports 100% of the state through a tiered support system.
Notable successes include the Putts and PD event, which provided invaluable training to teachers from over 20 districts. Through the Cyber/IT Pathways Grant, Cyber Florida invested over $20 million in 31 projects, expanding access to cybersecurity education for 88,000 students and educators statewide. Additionally, engagement extended beyond Florida, with presentations at national conferences like the National Cybersecurity Alliance’s Convene.
Cyber Florida’s collaborative efforts have led to significant events, such as Miami-Dade Cyber Day, which engaged 300 students and faculty in immersive cybersecurity activities and discussions. The OpK12 team also launched impactful initiatives like the Congressional App Challenge CTF Event, where over 120 students competed and networked with industry professionals. Furthermore, partnerships with organizations like Girls Who Hack have empowered young learners with essential cybersecurity skills, fostering a more diverse and inclusive future workforce in cybersecurity.
This summer, our camps have reached record enrollment with more than 800 students participating. We offer specialized cyber camps for elementary, middle, and high school students, along with complementary camps focused on coding, drones, and robotics.
Cyber Florida hosted an exciting event with @BiaSciLab to introduce Girls Inc Winter Haven learners to the
BUILDING CYBER AWARENESS ACROSS FLORIDA AND BEYOND
Ernie Ferraresso Director
“By engaging students, professionals, and communities through innovative programs and initiatives, we have helped foster a culture of awareness and preparedness. Our commitment to grow the cyber community remains steadfast, driving us to innovate and inspire the next generation of cybersecurity professionals.”
Winn Schwartau delivers the opening keynote on ‘Metawar: Co-existing with AI-Driven Reality Distortion, Disinformation, and Addiction in the Metaverse’ at the 2024 Sunshine Cyber Conference.
Cyber Florida Brings Back Its Annual Conference
After a five-year hiatus (initially due to COVID), Cyber Florida brought back its annual conference for 2024, now branded “Sunshine Cyber Conference.” Held 27-28 March at the Tampa Convention Center, nearly 600 attendees from a variety of organizations spanning the public and private sectors gathered to explore the latest topics in cybersecurity, exchange ideas, and make new connections.
The event featured keynote speakers Winn Schwartau, a well-known cyber visionary; Tamiko Fletcher, CISO for Kennedy Space Center; and Bianca Lewis, a 17-year-old cyber prodigy and founder of Girls Who Hack. With more than 50 breakout sessions spanning topics for non-technical leaders and cyber practitioners alike, the event concluded with a special fireside chat with Cyber Florida Director Ernie Ferraresso and White House Office of the National Cyber Director Acting Deputy Director Jake Braun.
Cyber Florida Helps CyberHerd Move to Front of the Pack
Formed in August 2023, the USF CyberHerd quickly made its mark under the guidance of coach Dr. Marbin Pazos-Revilla and faculty advisor Dr. Sriram Chellappan.
Key accomplishments:
• Top 4 finish at DOE’s Cyber Force competition (100+ teams)
• Tied for first place at CAE’s VIVID competition (65 teams) Runner-up at CCDC Southeastern regionals, beating teams like Clemson and UF
Additionally, CyberHerd won several local tournaments. The team continues to train hard, aiming for even more significant wins next year.
Tamiko Fletcher opens day two of Sunshine Cyber Con 2024.
Podcasts Open Up the World of Cybersecurity to All
In support of our mission to improve community engagement and expand awareness of the opportunities in cybersecurity, Cyber Florida currently produces two podcasts to that end: No Password Required and Do We Belong Here?
The No
Password Required podcast brings in monthly guests who are at the top of the cybersecurity field to highlight their personalities and how they reached their current career status. The show incorporates a light, humor-driven style that invites people of any background to listen and learn about what it is like to be a part of the cyber world.
No
Password Required is currently in its fourth season and has achieved nearly 17,000 downloads to date. Hosted by Carlton Fields P.A. Jack Clabby and KnowBe4 VP Kayley Melton, the podcast has featured leading cybersecurity practitioners from across the world, including the following:
• Tamiko Fletcher — CISO, Kennedy Space Center was recorded live during Sunshine Cyber Con 2024, taking direct questions from the live audience
• Jayson Street — Chief Adversarial Officer at Secure Yeti, A DEFCON Groups Global Ambassador, and a world-class awkward hugger
• Courtney H. Jackson — CEO of Paragon Cyber Solutions, family-night game champion, and calculated-risk taker
• Lisa Ventura — Founder of Cyber Security Unity, member of the Order of the British Empire, and appreciator of 80s soap operas
• Allan Liska — Threat Intelligence Analyst at Recorded Future, the Ransomware Sommelier, and a guy with a mildly exciting expense account
No
Password Required hosted Tamiko Fletcher, Kennedy Space Center’s CISO, for their first live episode recording at the 2024 Sunshine Cyber Conference.
The ‘Do We Belong’ team celebrates another successful live recording at the WiCyS Conference in Nashville, TN.
A Podcast that Celebrates Cyber’s Women and Allies
The Do We Belong Here? podcast is dedicated to demonstrating that everyone has a place in the world of cybersecurity. Hosted by Cisco CISO Advisor Pam Lindemoen and the “Cyber Whisperer,” Tashya Denose, Do We Belong Here? focuses on the challenges that members of underrepresented groups face in the tech and cyber industries. The show aims to illustrate that diversity and representation are not only important but necessary for the industry to truly thrive.
Now in its second year, the Do We Belong Here? podcast has already garnered more than 4,350 downloads. Highlights this year include the following guests:
• Bianca Lewis aka @BiSciLab — 17-year-old prodigious hacker, five-time DEFCON speaker, and visionary CEO behind Girls Who Hack was recorded live during Sunshine Cyber Con 2024, taking direct questions from the live audience
• Caitlin Sarian aka @CybersecurityGirl — cybersecurity content creator and former Senior Manager of Privacy and Security at TikTok
• Shawnee Delaney — CEO, Vaillance Group, former DIA spy
• Dr. Fatou Sankare — Author of Cybersecurity for Everyone:
• Empowering Marginalized Communities
• The Women of WiCyS: Dr. Ambareen Siraj, WiCyS founder; Dr. Janell Straach, WiCyS Chair of the Board; and Lynn Dohm, WiCyS Executive Director @BiSciLab dazzled the live ‘Do We Belong Here’ audience with her unique takes on cybersecurity.
NCAE Collegiate Cyber Competition Returns
Cyber Florida hosted the national championship round of the NCAE Cyber Games on 19-20 April 2024 on the University of South Florida-Tampa campus. Hosted in partnership with Mohawk Valley Community College, the event welcomed over 1,000 students from 100 colleges and universities across the nation for a full day of competition. The second half of the competition day was broadcast live on Twitch thanks to a partnership with the University of South Florida Esports department.
Funded by a grant from the National Security Agency’s National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity (NCAE-C) program, NCAE Cyber Games is dedicated to inspiring college students to enter the exciting (and sometimes profitable!) realm of cyber competitions. Cyber competitions are a valuable addition to any college student’s resume, but they can be intimidating for first timers. NCAE Cyber Games has created a new style of collegiate cybersecurity competition for college students who have never competed before, where they can learn about cyber competitions in an environment focused on teamwork, building confidence, and growing their skills.
In reflection of this year’s competition, Kate Whitaker, Cyber Florida’s Associate Director of Outreach and Co-Principal-Investigator on the grant project, emphasized the resounding praise from participants. She remarked, “The feedback we have garnered has been exceptionally encouraging. Numerous students have expressed gratitude, highlighting that they would not have engaged in cyber competitions without our program.”
James Rice (right) and Dr. Nate Fisk break down the action on day two of the 2024 NCAE Cyber Games.
Cyber Florida and USF Esports look forward to hosting next year’s finals at USF-Tampa in April 2025.
Kate Whitaker
A Liberty University student studies the challenges on day two of the 2024 NCAE Cyber Games at the USF campus in Tampa.
The feedback we have garnered has been exceptionally encouraging. Numerous students have expressed gratitude, highlighting that they would not have engaged in cyber competitions without our program.
Associate Director of Cyber Outreach
As Cyber Florida continues to forge ahead into the future, we remain dedicated to strengthening the cybersecurity landscape through innovative research, education, and community outreach. Our commitment to fostering a secure digital environment is unwavering, and we invite you to join us on this journey. By staying connected with us via our website and social media channels, you can keep abreast of the latest developments, initiatives, and opportunities within the realm of cybersecurity. Together, we can build a safer, more resilient cyber world.
cyberflorida.org
The Florida Center for Cybersecurity was established by an act of the Florida Legislature in 2014 and created with the passage of Florida Statute 1004.444.
1. The Florida Center for Cybersecurity is established within the University of South Florida.
2. The goals of the Center are to:
a) Position Florida as the national leader in cybersecurity and its related workforce through education, research, and community engagement.
b) Assist in the creation of jobs in the state’s cybersecurity industry and enhance the existing cybersecurity workforce.
c) Act as a cooperative facilitator for state business and higher education communities to share cybersecurity knowledge, resources, and training.
d) Seek out partnerships with major military installations to assist, when possible, in homeland cybersecurity defense initiatives.
e) Attract cybersecurity companies to the state with an emphasis on defense, finance, health care, transportation, and utility sectors.
